Extremely Rare Vintage 1915 Crescent 269cc

Extremely Rare Vintage 1915 Crescent

Here's a rare old motorcycle and only one of two known to exist and this fact verified by the well known and respected past librarian of the VMCC Phil Heath who sadly is no longer with us.
This particular Crescent motorcycle was designed in 1914 and assembled in 1915 so just falling outside of the veteran category for the pioneer run. It was built by Rudge as a compromise at the commencement of The Great War when Rudge had to switch tactics away from motorcycle manufacture to munitions and not wanting to abandon a foothold with said motorcycle manufacture bought in component parts and produced these 269cc Villiers engine machines. It has Druid forks. a two speed crash Albion gearbox. 24 x 2 1/4 wheels with beaded edged Dunlop 'Clinker' tyres. An interesting fact is that these tyres are original 1914 tyres. that were obtained from the VMCC tyre scheme when the bike was fully restored in 1992. and are absolutely correct RFC tyres that would have been fitted to bi-planes of the time. Also has a full compliment of Miller acetylene lamps and a Miller tax disc holder.
Another interesting item is the Boa horn and this is an absolutely correct fitment. There is a photocopy of a period catalogue from c. 1912 showing these horns mounted to motorcycles of the time. a very very rare item in itself.
This wonderful machine was. as previously stated. fully restored in 1992 and attention to detail is second to none. correct nickel plated fittings are evident and all bearings etc. were manufactured/changed as required. Wheels rebuilt by Reg Cooper of Coventry and tinwork including the tank refurbishment by Terry Hall of Shropshire. It was a no expense spared restoration. The motorcycle was exhibited at Stafford Classic Bike Show. Stoneleigh. Bristol and many more often appearing as centre and main exhibit on the VMCC stand or The British Two Stroke Clubs stand and winning best in show awards. rosettes and trophies but sadly no exotic holidays or whopping great cheques !
Only reason for selling is I have too many machines and being over six feet tall and having a liking for fine foods and expensive wines am a little to big for this cracking and venerable motorcycle. Added to which I happen to prefer and have a penchant for machines from another Coventry manufacturer. Triumph.
I am more than happy to put you in touch with the previous owner who restored this fine machine and can verify any or all of the facts and has been involved with veteran and vintage motorcycles for over 35 years and has ridden and used this motorcycle in Belguim. Holland and elsewhere in Europe in various continental rallies. I do not have a V5 for this bike. a previous owner got it mixed up with the laundry. but i have somewhere in the house a dossier of papers which would enable an application to DVLA. I thought i knew where they were today. but alzheimers must be setting in. Nevertheless i will dig them out. The bike is also advertised elsewhere. so i reserve the right to withdraw from the sale at anytime.

Please no tyre kickers or those who want a trip down memory lane or fools who think I will ship to outer Mongolia if they get Uncle Umpaloompa to send a cheque blah blah. You know the score ! Cash on collection only on this item.

This bike really deserves to be in a museum. as a display in the showroom of Crescent Motorcycles. or with its only surviving brother.